Chris Willson had a normal life and a nurturing family, but things changed quickly when his neighborhood became dangerous. He found himself traumatized by the sound of violence outside his window, a sound he became hypervigilant for and which prevented him from enjoying his childhood and studies like a little boy should.
Chris’s life got more challenged when his mom got trapped in an abusive relationship with a cop who stalked her when she tried to call things off. One night the cop’s friends came around harassing Chris and he ended up shooting and killing one landing him a life sentence.
In prison, Chris experienced even more trauma when put in solitary confinement, something he says no one should have to go through, especially not a kid. It dulled his senses and made him jumpy, but he recovered and decided to make a change.
He may not get out of prison, but he wouldn’t live life as imprisoned. He would make the best of his life, learn, grow and accept and make amends for his part in what got him there.
He did just that, and after 16 ½ years, when the laws changed and the judge agreed, he was released.
Chris’s mission now is to make a difference in the world, giving back and giving his life meaning. He does that through his foundation and through his art.
Discover how trauma leads to trauma, the harm of incarceration, the power of setting intention, accountability, and surprisingly vision boarding in my latest episode of the Beyond trauma podcast with Chris Wilson.
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